Wearing a bicycle helmet is effective in preventing head injuries during accidents.
- Wearing a bicycle helmet protects you from potential shocks, according to a new study.
- The relative benefit is greater in high-risk situations and on shared roads, especially for the prevention of serious head injuries.
- 244 French cyclists died in 2022, 30% more than in 2019.
According a new study published in Naturewearing a bicycle helmet provides good protection against potential shocks.
“To reduce the risk of injury, many countries recommend the wearing of bicycle helmets. The present paper therefore aims to examine the effectiveness of bicycle helmets by conducting a systematic review focusing on meta-analyses of bicycle accidents” , explain the researchers in the introduction.
The benefit of the helmet is greater in high-risk situations
All of the scientific literature reviewed by the researchers confirms that wearing a bicycle helmet is beneficial, regardless of age, accident severity or type of accident. The relative benefit is greater in high-risk situations and on shared roads, especially for the prevention of serious head injuries.
Results from laboratory studies also indicate that head shape and size play a role in the protective effects of helmets. This means that cyclists should be careful to choose a helmet that fits their body type well. Indeed, an ill-fitting helmet could come loose or slip in the event of an impact, considerably reducing the effectiveness of the protection.
Continue to educate the public on the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet
Helmet manufacturers now offer a large selection of models that adapt to all head sizes and shapes. Some models are even equipped with innovative technologies, such as optimized ventilation systems to promote temperature regulation or reflective devices for better visibility on the road.
In view of this new study, health authorities must continue to raise public awareness of the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet in order to reduce the number of accidents.
244 cyclists perished in 2022
Every year, many cyclists are involved in accidents that can cause serious and sometimes irreversible injuries. 244 French cyclists perished in 2022, 30% more than in 2019.”Unfortunately, and this goes hand in hand with the development of soft mobility, there is a worrying increase in the mortality of cyclists”deplores Florence Guillaume, interministerial delegate for road safety, in the newspaper Liberation.
However, in conclusion, it should be remembered that cycling regularly is, like all physical activities, excellent for your health.
